Virginia Tech Hokies Trail West Virginia Mountaineers, 24-7

The Virginia Tech Hokies arrived in Morgantown, WV, wrapped in classic uniforms of maroon helmets and pants with white jerseys. VT also opened the game with classic Brad Cornelson. After a 20-yard screen pass, on their first play from scrimmage, the Hokies settled into their predictable and pedestrian offense scheme. After the 20-yard catch and run, from Rasheem Blackshear, the Hokies only managed one whole offensive yard. After both ineffective Virginia Tech drives the Mountaineers torched the Hokies with big-play TDs. The first, an 80-yard touchdown run, by Leddie Brown, and then a 29-yard TD reception by Bryce Ford-Wheaton. Not even halfway through the first quarter the Hokies were down 14-0 and had 21 offensive yards to WVU’s 120 yards.

Maintained by West Virginia penalties the Hokies completed a drive that ended with VT’s own big-play score. Braxton Burmeister hit Tayvion Robinson for the 23-yard strike! The first quarter ended after a nice defensive stand by Hamilton’s boys and with the Hokie offense in WVU territory after another beautiful 25-yard reception by Robinson. Two minutes into the second quarter the Hokies were facing fourth and one on the WVU 30-yard line. VT elected to go for it with a QB sneak… from the shotgun. It didn’t go well, and the Mountaineers stuffed Burmeister as the fastest player on the offense was sent to run up the middle. After forcing a three and out the Mountaineers boomed a 68-yard punt (what!?) to the VT three yard-line. WVU shut the Hokies down and won a nice field position, taking over at their 44. It took less than two minutes for the Mountaineers to march down the short field, with the Hokies allowing another big play (30-yard pass to Sam James), and score.

After another spectacular three-and-out, where the Hokies almost turned the ball over due to a fumble, West Virginia took the field and immediately hit another big pass play. This time Jarret Doege hit Isaiah Esdale for 32 yards. After only being penalized five times TOTAL this season, the Hokies suffered five penalties, in the half, including a roughing the passer call that set up WVU’s field goal. Virginia Tech received the kick-off with 1:41 left in the half, and Rasheem Blackshear ripped off a 78-yard return down to West Virginia’s 22 yard-line, setting up a missed VT field goal, after the offense sputtered out on the goal line.

This team looks exactly like it has, under Fuente, over the last five years. A defense susceptible to big plays and an inexcusably bland offense. The Hokies’ single scoring drive was only preserved due to WVU penalties at critical times. Cornelson’s offensive scheme and plays, as is tradition, does not take advantage of the skillsets of the players on the field nor does it give them a chance to succeed. The Hokies have been outplayed on offense, defense, and special teams. I always carry the torch of hope, but this might be a long day.

Hokies offensively outgained 272 yards to 144 yards.

Hokies with a time of possession advantage17:47 to 12:13

Hokies penalized five times for 39 yards.

West Virginia will receive the second half kick-off.

24-7, WVU, at the halfway mark.